If I knew 25 years ago what life as a realtor would entail, would I have proceeded?

When I first decided to become a real estate agent my parents were mortified. Thank goodness my husband and kids cheered me on as I studied for my license.

I worked at two other companies before setting out with Vera Greenwald, z”l in 2003 to launch our own office. Little did we know what we were getting into.

Looking back, many of my closest friends today are former clients who sat in the back seat of my car sharing their dreams. Hot topics back then were much the same as they are today, including affordability of the house, the cost of tuition and, for some buyers, the nuances of which shul was the “right” shul for their family.

To be sure, there are pluses and minuses in any field of work. Unexpected realities pop up and nothing ever stays the same. An indirect consequence of covid was losing more direct contact with buyers and you can be sure that in the post-covid world neither the parents nor the kids ever sit in the back seat of my car. The real estate industry is going through changes and we are all trying to adapt accordingly. As of a few days ago every buyer has to sign a Buyer’s Agent Agreement with their realtor before viewing any property. (full analysis on this topic next week).

So where does that leave me? It leaves me working in an office where both camaraderie and work ethic runs high. If my past customers have become close friends then my office “comrades in arms” have become my family.

Our office stands shoulder to shoulder with buyers and sellers shepherding them through best practices of negotiating, choosing attorneys and overseeing mortgage appraisals, as well as walkthroughs and closings.

So would I do it again? Let’s revisit in five years!

Nechama Polak is the broker of record and owner of V&N Group LLC, located at 1401 Palisade Avenue in Teaneck. Send your thoughts and comments to [email protected] or call 201 826 8809.